Meiji Shrine
A shrine built in 1920 to enshrine Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Though it sits right by Harajuku Station, the roughly 70-hectare planted forest — set out by 110,000 volunteers with trees donated from across Japan — shuts out the city's noise entirely. Simply passing the great torii and walking the gravel path is calming.
History
Founded on 1 November 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) and Empress Shoken (1849–1914). The 70-hectare forest around it is not natural but man-made: about 110,000 volunteers planted trees donated from across Japan in the emperor's honor. Species were chosen for how the forest would look 100 to 200 years on; some 234 varieties grow there today.
Getting there
A 1-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line's Harajuku Station or Tokyo Metro's Meiji-jingumae Station. Pass the large torii at the south approach and follow the gravel path to the main shrine.
Tips
- ·Open sunrise to sunset; main-shrine worship free (hours vary by season)
- ·1 min walk from Harajuku or Meiji-jingumae station
- ·Inner Garden and Meiji Jingu Museum (¥1,000) are separate
